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Sampling underway USFWS photo - Photo Credit: n/a

Sorting samples USFWS photo - Photo Credit: n/a

On May 24, 2011, students from 5 classes at 3 local high schools presented the results of their scientific studies and posters to each other and the public.   Over the past several years, classes have collected aquatic invertebrates at Sunkhaze Meadows NWR and nearby Kenduskeag Stream.  The samples have been sent out for lab analysis of mercury content.  The students have posed various hypotheses about how mercury may move through the foodweb, may vary with site conditions and watershed position, and may vary with age of the individual, and used the pooled data (in a regional database) to test their hypotheses.  The posters discussed hypotheses and findings.  Refuge staff circulated and asked the students questions about their projects and findings.  Following the poster session, students visited the Refuge and did more sampling.

The work is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Maine Department of Education, private donors, and the Davis Foundation.  Partners include the Schoodic Educational and Research Center Institute, The University of Maine, Maine Sea Grant, the schools, and the Refuge.